Effects of upper limb positions and weight support roles on quasi-static seated postural stability in individuals with spinal cord injury

Seated postural stability has not been studied extensively in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The main purpose of this study was to compare the effects of upper limb (U/L) positions and U/L weight support roles on quasi-static postural stability between individuals with SCI and healthy controls. Fourteen individuals with SCI and 14 healthy controls sat on an instrumented seat with their feet resting on force plates and randomly maintained five short-sitting positions for 60 s with or without hand support. Center-of-pressure (COP) measures based on displacement and frequency series were computed. Individuals with SCI exhibited greater mean COP displacement and velocity measures compared to healthy controls, as well as lower COP frequency measures, irrespective of the U/L positions and weight support roles, confirming reduced stability and a difference in preferential postural regulation strategies. The use of U/L support is a compensatory strategy that influences seated stability in individuals with SCI.

► Seated postural stability was quantified in individuals with spinal cord injury. ► Decreased seated postural stability was found in individuals with spinal cord injury. ► Distinct seated postural strategies were used by individuals with spinal cord injury. ► Upper-limb support increased seated stability in individuals with spinal cord injury.